I am currently dealing with the fact that my step father has problems with drugs and alcohol. In the mean time, I am helong him with his kids( my younger brother and sister) until he can get himself together. I don't know how long that will take. How can I make sure I am not overextending myself only to suffer from burn out?
Prepare yourself for the worst but hope for the best. How long do you think it will take for your step father to change? Supposing it might take years are you willing to make sacrifices, care for your siblings all that time? If it would be too hard for you then you'd have to have the kids go back home but check on them regularly to see that they are OK. Your step father has a responsibility to raise his children and MUST do it. If he can't then do what must be done. Report the matter to child protective services.
Echoing what Rainman said above me. Also, sometimes it helps to remember to take time and do something for you. Even if you can only take a few minutes a day. Stop and do something you like, something that is not for anybody else, be that reading a book, watching a show you enjoy, or anything else. Good luck!
Yes, put some time aside for yourself. Stressing too much will just ruin your efforts, so reinforce your state of mind, do something to loosen up, and look at what you are doing ( or going to do ) with nothing but a positive perspective. And, if it is really too much, do not carry that burden. Just consult someone you feel may assist you in any way, and do not indulge.
While you will of course want to help whenever and however you can, in order to be the best help possible you do need to think about giving yourself a break at times. To do this, you should ensure that you have at least a short amount of time to yourself each day, where you don't think of anything other than something relaxing that you would like to do. This means that you can chill out without having to worry about anything at all, and you will be nice and refreshed by the time you come to deal with your family again.
I think sooner or later you will suffer from burn out. I hope your step dad is aware he needs to change... if he isn't then you better prepare for the worst. Because unless he doesn't realize that he needs to change and starts working on that things won't get better for your siblings. It might take years, sadly your siblings are into the equation... just do it for them.
Well he is officially kicked out the house and my mom is thinking of legal separation. This man is not coming back. I will try to take it easy now that they are in school and summer vacation is over. With a new job I'm starting at some point things are looking better.
Good to know that things are getting better for you. Right that take things easy as you could and good luck to your new job.
Once I saw burn out I came to the thread because I think I am a sufferer and wondered what advice I might be able to take away. Great advice aside, I am glad that Jasmine 2015 is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.